Everyone has made a bad choice, or two in their life. I can honestly tell that I am guilty of making bad choices, decisions, etc. Yes, some of them (choices) were worse than others. But, I learned a lesson from every one of them! Fortunately, none of my bad choices were too extremely life-changing, or hurt others (at least not physically).
If you think that making bad decisions, or choices is exclusive to us today, you're wrong. People in biblical times were no better, or worse at making choices as we are now. In fact, one of the saddest figures in the Bible is that of Esau. Before we begin, here is some helpful background information about this hapless man.
He was the firstborn son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob (Genesis 25:21-26). Esau was loved much by his father Isaac, and a skillful hunter on top of that! (Genesis 25:27-28) For sure, Esau was a man who had his good side. After all, he did show kindness to his brother who had deceived him (Genesis 33:1-16). And, despite everything that happened to him, helped bury his father Isaac (Genesis 35:29).
Yet, on two occasions, he was manipulated by his brother Jacob. The first, was when Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of pottage (Genesis 25:29-34). The second, was when Jacob stole the blessing designed for him (Genesis 27:1-41). Today, we'll focus our attention on the first occasion, and lessons we might learn from this unfortunate circumstance in Esau's life.
It begins with his birthright. In Esau's time, as in many cultures, there were important advantages to being a firstborn son. For example, the physical advantages of the birthright. Being a firstborn son meant you were entitled to a double portion of the father's inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). In Esau's case, the amount would have been very great; but what he would have eventually received was also great (Genesis 36:6-7). For, he would have been offered rule and authority over other members of the family (Genesis 27:29).
The spiritual advantages of this particular birthright (firstborn) would have been enormous. Esau would have become the patriarch and priest of the house on the death of his father. He would have also become the chief of the chosen family, and heir of the promised blessing. Being the firstborn, he would have been able to invoke the blessing of Abraham, regarding the threefold promise (Genesis 28:4; 12:1-3). Such were the issues at stake when Jacob and Esau bartered over the birthright.
But, unfortunately none of this would come to pass for Esau because of the bad bargain (choice) he made with Jacob. Esau chose the sensual over the spiritual. He gave into the cravings of his hunger (Genesis 25:29-34). He valued the red pottage more highly than his birthright. And, for this reason he was called "a profane person" (Hebrews 12:16).
Esau chose the present over the future. He tossed away future rewards for present gratification. For temporary, physical pleasures Esau sold his birthright; what a terrible bargain! Certainly we wouldn't think of making the same kind of bargain, would we? Perhaps not with an inheritance we might receive from our parents; but what of our spiritual inheritance...?
Remember, Esau sold his birthright? Are we selling, or have we already sold, ours? We are heirs according to the promise made to Abraham (Galatians 3:29). We are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17). We are heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7). We are heirs of the kingdom which He has promised (James 2:5; 2 Peter 1:11). In Him, all things are ours (1 Corinthians 3:21-23; Revelation 21:7).
Our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and does not fade away. It's reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). Dear friends, what a wonderful birthright we have, and it's not just limited to things in the hereafter! (Mark 10:28-30).
It all makes one stop and think for a moment, doesn't it? I mean, are we making a bad choice (decision) with our heavenly inheritance? How might we sell our birthright? How would this occur? Can it occur? Yes, it can and does. We can succumb to the passing pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:24-26). We can lust after things of the world (1 John 2:15; James 4:4); such as walking after the flesh rather than after the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).
Fortunately for us, there are some things we can do to hold onto our birthright. For example, we can pursue peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14). We can be careful not to fall short of God's grace (Hebrews 12:15). And, we can exercise discipline and godliness (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 4:7-8). Of course, there are many other ways, besides these. But, all it takes is one bad choice to lose our inheritance.
In conclusion, Esau made the mistake of depreciating the value of his inheritance by succumbing to the desires of the flesh. We can make a similar mistake by not appreciating the value of our inheritance in Christ! Or, even worse, giving in to the allure of immediate gratification of the flesh!
If we are not careful, the time will come when it's too late; no matter how many tears we may shed, it will be too late to change God's mind (Hebrews 12:17). That's why we need to pay attention to such warnings as that one given by the apostle Paul:
"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
I leave you with the following question: "Are you in danger of selling your birthright as a Christian?"
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am feeling very stressed today. Please give me the wisdom to understand that the day is only as good as I make it. Help me put the stress behind me and see what is important. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Elise
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